Cooking class in Cinque Terre

The cooking class takes place in the city of La Spezia, very close to the Cinque Terre. You can get there easily, as it's just one short train stop from Riomaggiore. The program will start with a stroll in La Spezia and a visit to the colourful local market.

I absolutely love this market. Amazing olives, pesto, cheese, ham, anchovies, homemade fresh pasta, and of course seasonal fruits and vegetables. A visit to this market is one of the best foodie experiences around here.

I always enjoy the walk among the fish vendors with the fresh fish, clams, prawns and all kinds of different seafood. Most Cinque Terre restaurants get their fish at this market as well. I can't wait to fill my basket with juicy tomatoes, artichokes, green asparagus in the spring and aromatic mushrooms in autumn.

With your chef, you will buy the fresh ingredients for your seafood meals. Then you will continue your walk to the beautiful little restaurant where the course will take place. Your chef cooks following the ideas of Slow Food so she prepares typical local dishes using fresh, simple, good quality ingredients with little environmental impact.

The results are – needless to say – delicious! At the end of the course, you will enjoy a nice lunch and eat what you have just prepared.

You'll be cooking in a small group, maximum 6 participants. If you are travelling alone, it's a good opportunity to meet other travellers, but this cooking class is also ideal for couples. A private cooking lesson is also available on request, price will depend on your group size.

Would you like to surprise your family and friends with great homemade Ligurian food? Join this cooking class, and then share your knowledge with your loved ones once you get back home from Italy.

The cooking lesson takes place in the Cinque Terre cooking school, in a stunning location in the hills above Monterosso. From the terrace you can enjoy an amazing view of the sea and Monterosso. You will prepare typical Ligurian dishes like gnocchi al pesto, focaccia, vegetable pie or seafood, using local, fresh ingredients.

Once you have prepared all the dishes, you will taste everything, enjoying your 4-course lunch in this wonderful location. After lunch your private transfer will take you back to the center of Monterosso.

The owners also have a wine school in Monterosso, let me know if you would like to learn more about the wines of the Cinque Terre.

This cooking course is a really authentic experience in the private home of your chef. Embark on a gourmet journey into the flavours, traditions and rich history of Liguria.

Get ready to create your own masterpiece, savouring a welcome aperitif, local wines and an espresso. Explore the art of crafting corzetti, a traditional pasta, along with innovative variations of fresh homemade pasta.

Learn how to make the famous green sauce, pesto, harmonizing basil, garlic and pinenuts in a timeless mortar. Lastly, prepare the most popular Italian dessert, tiramisu.

At the end of the cooking class, you will enjoy the delicious lunch you have prepared together. After lunch I highly recommend taking a walk around Levanto, going for a swim on its long beach or renting a bike and riding to Bonassola and Framura through the old railway tunnels.

Nestled in the green hills above La Spezia, not far from the Cinque Terre, the home of Signora Paola offers a unique private cooking class. Away from mass tourism, you can enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of La Spezia from Paola's terraces.

Paola will give you a warm welcome and you will prepare handmade pasta and Ligurian pesto, while sharing stories or your favourite recipes.

At the end of the experience enjoy a lovely meal together featuring local antipasti (cheeses, cured meats and focaccia), your homemade pasta and a seasonal dessert. This is a great opportunity to connect deeply with a local lady and learn about the region and the local culture.